AARP Texas

Volunteers have long been a critical part of our country’s history. The long and proud history of volunteering extends all the way back to the first colonies, when Americans provided for others in times of strife. Benjamin Franklin, for example, began the first volunteer firefighting company in 1736.

Often overlooked when considering the long-term health of older adults, social isolation deserves to be addressed. Today, AARP estimates that 17% of adults age 50 and older suffer from isolation. Isolation is not always talked about but it is an important public health issue that affects millions of Americans.

Medicare is 53 years old today. The Congress elected during this year’s midterm elections will likely determine what Medicare’s future is, including whether it will continue meeting the promise made to those who have paid into the system over the years.

Communities across Texas are working each and every day to become more livable for residents of all ages.

Seeking to reinvent herself after retiring, Chandra Marshall-Henson visited AARP conventions and events for inspiration. After attending a Zumba class taught by an instructor in her 80s, she found that inspiration. She gained the confidence to share her love for dancing.

P or Thomas Korosec

Though she had a long and successful career, Eva Bonilla was 66 years old when she discovered that she was born to be a tour guide. After retiring, Bonilla volunteered with the Fort Worth City International Board. She served as an ambassador to many international visitors that came to Fort Worth, and fell in love with giving tours. It was not until Bonilla visited an AARP workshop that she felt empowered to pursue her dream of being a tour guide.

By Thomas Korosec

Despite continued suburban sprawl, communities across the nation are taking steps to become better places to live in and age in, according to data analyzed from the newly updated AARP Livability Index. And Austin is being recognized among those cities, joining the Top 10 list for the first time among cities with a population of 500,000 or more.

June is National Great Outdoors Month, a time for observing nature and enjoying our surrounding environments. Beginning as a week-long celebration of nature, we now nationally recognize the beautiful countryside, forests and parks of the United States for the entire month of June. This recognition promotes the splendor of our great outdoors and highlights the labors of those who work to preserve nature in our modern world. It raises the awareness of national policies on nature conservation by highlighting the beauty and health benefits of the natural environment.